Belgium — Visas and Vaccinations

Belgium is part of the EU and EFT, and is a Schengen treaty member, meaning that no border controls apply to EU citizens and citizens of other Schengen countries. Visa-free entry is granted on presentation of an EU ID card or passport, and arrivals from EU, EFTA or Schengen countries may stay as long as they like. Visitors from outside these areas may stay for up to 80 days in a given 180-day period and will need a visa. No specific vaccinations are required, although the usual tetanus and other vaccinations should be up to date.

Health and Safety

Belgium is considered to be a safe country for travelers, as long as care is taken to safeguard belongings in crowded tourist areas. Street crime such as muggings and unprovoked violence is rare, but avoiding the port and dockland areas of Antwerp late at night is advised. Liege and Charleroi have the highest crime statistics, so keep an eye on belongings and don’t walk down dark streets late in these cities. In the national park and a few nature reserves, wild boar can be found and are best avoided, especially in the rutting season. Venomous adders are common in rural areas although getting bitten by one rarely proves fatal.